Extreme Makeover: Special Needs Edition

Liliya is 21 years old. She was born in Russia and diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy as a baby. When Liliya was four, her parents sacrificed a lot to bring her to the United States so she could receive better medical attention.

Since 1997 Liliya has been participating in Friendship Circle activities. Over 100 volunteers have been inspired by Liliya’s upbeat personality. Never sad or upset she is a shining example and role model for her many friends.

The News

Six weeks ago, Liliya and her family received a devastating blow. She was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma.

When we heard this news all of us at Friendship Circle, who have become her family, pulled together to do everything possible to help out. Volunteers were arranged to spend time with Liliya and advocates worked with the parents and doctors to get the best medical care possible.

What Liliya wants most: Independence

For the last 17 years, Liliya and her family have lived in a one-bedroom apartment in Oak Park, Michigan. Liliya is completely wheelchair‐bound and the 400 square-foot apartment has not, and does not meet her needs. As a 21 year old woman, Liliya is moving into a stage in life where she craves space and independence.

Liliya needed a space of her own.

It Takes A Village

We started looking at the possibility of creating a “home away from home” for Liliya by renovating a studio apartment in her apartment complex for her own personal use.

When we started this project we knew we would need a lot of help. But never in our wildest dreams did we imagine how much help would arrive.

The community did not stop at building Liliya her own space. LaFontaine Automotive has generously offered her parent’s van a complete overhaul service to keep it up and running for years to come.

Working with our generous team of supporters, Liliya’s space will have a wheelchair accessible bathroom, smart TV with internet and Skype, a kitchenette, a Murphy bed, massage/therapy chair, arts & crafts area, and much more.

We can not thank our community enough for pitching in and making a difference in the life of a young woman.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

Day One of Project Liliya

Written on March 26, 2012 by:

Bassie Shemtov founded Friendship Circle together with her husband Levi. Bassie is always looking for ways to enhance the lives of children with special needs while providing relief to their families and empowering teen volunteers.

Wow! That’s amazing. I live in Fiji and can’t even find an OT to assess a little orphan girl with CP for a new wheelchair – let alone get the funding for it. Your inspiring story has given me the boost I need to keep searching.

Regothelf

Good luck. If you want to send me details to my email I can contact am OT organization or A hospital here to see if there r any connections that could help. My email is the name on my post @yahoo.com.

Robyn

Harold Remlinger

My special thanks to Bassie and The Friendship Circle for allowing me the oppertunity to work on this project with them.

Allen

Great work everyone!

Felicia Bowers

Felicia Bowers I have a cp. I am 21 year old. I saw Liliya Bromberg on 7 news I want to meet her? my email address is [email protected]